NAGOYA, Sept 26: India’s women’s kabaddi team retained their Asian Games title after a tense 37-34 victory over Iran in a thrilling final at the Aichi-Nagoya Games on Saturday.
India looked in control early, taking a 22-16 lead into half-time, but Iran fought back strongly after the break and reduced the deficit to just one point at 27-26 with around eight minutes remaining.
With the final entering a tense closing phase, India responded through crucial raids and defensive plays to restore their advantage. The defending champions eventually held their nerve to seal a three-point victory and another Asian Games gold.
The triumph marks India’s fourth women’s kabaddi gold at the Asian Games. The Indian women had won the title in 2010, 2014 and 2022, with their winning run interrupted only by Iran in the 2018 Jakarta Games, where India settled for silver.
Sanju Devi once again played an important role for India, producing key raids during the decisive phases of the contest. India had entered the final unbeaten, having defeated Bangladesh, Iran and Japan in the group stage before overpowering Nepal 48-24 in the semifinal.
The gold was India’s third of the 2026 Asian Games at the time of the victory and continued the country’s long-standing record in kabaddi at the continental showpiece.
India will now look to complete a kabaddi double, with the men’s team also scheduled to face Iran in the men’s gold-medal match later on Saturday.
